Four “NO PARKING” signs were installed on Valley Parkway south of Lake Wohlford Road near Dog Park. The signs are necessary because of the number of cars for sale being parked there which created a traffic hazard.

3 tree failures occurred during last Friday’s rain.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Planning:

Major Projects Update:

Commercial / Office:

Escondido Research and Technology Center – East (ERTC) – No change from the following update reported last week: This is a 72,000 square foot medical office building proposed on the east side of Citracado Parkway across from Palomar Medical Center located at 2130 Citracado Parkway. Building plans have been submitted for plan check. The Planning Division has approved a second set of corrected grading plans. On November 4, 2015 the City Council approved a 10-year extension to the previously adopted Development Agreement for ERTC that involves 20 lots in ERTC owned by JRMC.

Escondido Research and Technology Center – West (ERTC) – No change from the following update reported last week: This is a 144,000 sq. ft. development involving two medical office buildings proposed on the west side of Citracado Parkway across from Palomar Medical Center located at 2097 – 2175 Citracado Parkway. Building plans have been submitted for plan check.

Centerpointe 78 Commercial – This project is a 45,650 sq. ft. supermarket and restaurant located at 925 N. Broadway. The project was approved by the Planning Commission on November 10, 2015. The project was approved by the City Council meeting on December 9, 2015 and filing fees were paid to the County for the EIR. Street striping plans for the project’s frontage along North Broadway were approved. A revised site plan was submitted to shift parking away from the grocery store. Staff is waiting for submittal of a revised storm water plan that incorporates recent changes in regulations and is working with the property owner regarding obtaining permits to demolish the existing structure.

Westfield Theater – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 10-auditorium movie theater totaling 57,600 sq. ft. located on the north side of the Westfield Mall. The project was approved by the City Council on November 4, 2015.

Felicita Development, LLC – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 140-unit hotel, and a gas station or office/residential care facility at the southeast corner of Felicita Rd. and Gamble Lane. The applicant and staff met with the architect to discuss building elevations, 5-story height limitations and site design issues given the existing wetland constraints on the property. Additional technical analysis and coordination is needed to address traffic, biology, water and sewer service, geotechnical and storm water concerns, along with a market study for the proposed uses. The applicant met with the wild life agencies and is responding to technical studies needed to complete the application. Tribal consultations are underway.

Springhill Suites – This project is a 105-suite hotel totaling 73,300 sq. ft. located at 300 La Terraza Drive involving 4 stories, a small conference room and an enlarged lobby for serving continental breakfast. A revised set of grading plans have been approved and preliminary site clearing has commenced. Landscaping plans were submitted involving the hotel site and the parking lot of the adjacent property for review, and department comments are being finalized.

BMW Dealership – No change from the following update reported last week: A Precise Plan application to expand the existing dealership showroom an additional approximately 4,000 square feet and enhance the building façade at 1557 Auto Park Way was approved by the Planning Commission on October 13, 2015. A demolition permit to remove portions of the existing structure has been issues. The project is under construction.

Escondido Auto Park Association – No change from the following update reported last week: The association is proposing to upgrade the existing electronic message sign along I-15. On September 23, 2015, the Economic Development Subcommittee considered a request by the association to enter into an agreement with the City for reimbursement of a portion of the cost of the upgraded sign and expressed support for a five-year agreement based on anticipated public benefit of additional sales tax revenue. Staff met with the applicant regarding items to submit for the formal application and is awaiting additional information.

Ford-Hyundai Dealership Expansion – No change from the following update reported last week: An expansion involving approximately 13,000 sq. ft. of showroom buildings and 6,700 sq. ft. wash/detail building at 1717-1919 Auto Park Way was approved by the Planning Commission on June 23, 2015. Grading has commenced, the sign plans have been approved, and the Planning Division has signed off on the building plans.

Industrial

Escondido Disposal Inc. – No change from the following update reported last week: The CUP modification to expand the existing facility was approved by the Planning Commission on August 25, 2015. The project has completed its post-approval plan check process; staff has approved the grading and landscape plans. The County has notified the City that the applicant has made its application to the State permitting agency. Storm drain issues improvements that extend through the site are under construction. A revised site plan with updated parking and circulation has been submitted for staff review. Staff is determining the adequacy of the storm water basins. Building plans were received for Phases I and III.

StorQuest – This proposed project at 220 W. Mission Avenue involves a 102,500 sq. ft. development with 4-stories, 3 in-line shops and a small office in conjunction with a public storage facility. The application involving a General Plan Amendment, zone change and Planned Development was submitted for processing and routed to city departments for comment. Correspondence has been mailed to the applicant regarding initial comments and the need for additional information to complete the application.

Institutional

John Paul the Great Catholic University – No change from the following update reported last week: A Conditional Use Permit to expand the campus and student enrollment at 155 W. Grand Avenue was approved by the Planning Commission on December 8, 2015. The proposal includes improvements to the former H. Johnson Building at 131 S. Broadway for studio and classroom space, and the former bank at 200 W. Grand Avenue for administrative offices and a student resource center. The proposed expansion would also increase the student enrollment from 300 to 1,200 students over the next several years. Staff has confirmed the availability of water and sewer connections. Staff had a conversation with the University President this week regarding potential future expansion plans beyond those previously approved.

Calvin Christian Middle/High School – No change from the following update reported last week: The project is an expansion involving a 15,500 SF auditorium, multi-use conference center, classrooms, terraces and walkways located at 2000 N. Broadway. Building plans have been submitted for review and comment; the grading plans have been approved.

Escondido United Reformed Church – No change from the following update reported last week: The project is an expansion for a phased, multi-year, master construction/development plan for a new 12,250 SF two-story sanctuary, conversion of existing buildings to a social hall, demolition of an existing social hall/classroom building (approx. 4,620 SF) and construction of approximately 5,250 SF for a nursery, multi-purpose room, classrooms for Sunday school and other associated activities, and bathrooms, and an enclosed 1,835 SF central Atrium/Narthex at 1864 N. Broadway. Building plans have been submitted for review and comment for portions of project, revised architectural designs for the sanctuary have been submitted for review; the grading plans have been approved.

Residential

Oak Creek (NUW) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 65-unit single family development located at the southeastern corner of Felicita Road and Hamilton Lane. The LAFCO Board unanimously approved the annexation on October 5, 2015. Staff has returned documents to LAFCO memorializing their action that included final paperwork to be completed prior to annexation recordation.

Amanda Estates (NUW) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 22-unit single family development on Amanda Lane. The LAFCO Board approved the reorganization (annexation) at their meeting on August 3, 2015. Staff has returned documents to LAFCO memorializing their action that included final paperwork to be completed prior to annexation recordation.

Pradera – No change from the following update reported last week: This project consists of a 70-unit single family development located at the northeastern corner of Ash Street and Lehner Avenue. Grading and construction are underway. Staff is reviewing improvement plan and the final map submittals, as well as the precise grading plans and landscaping plans. Building Plans for three, two-story model homes have been completed and the units are currently under construction and are undergoing building inspections. A fourth single-story unit will be marketed with this development, but no model home for the single-story unit will be constructed. The developer obtained building permits for the first the first and second phases involving 16 units. Models opened on January 30, 2016.

Zenner – No change from the following update reported last week: The project is a 40-unit single family development at the northeastern corner of Lehner Avenue and Vista Avenue. Staff approved concept building elevations from the homebuilder, KB Homes, The annexation was approved by LAFCO on Sept. 14, 2015, and has been recorded by the County Recorder’s Office. Proposed street names have been submitted for Planning Division approval. Plans for constructing an off-site model complex on three separate parcels near the project has been submitted for staff review.

Stella Park Condominiums – This project is a 65-unit townhome Planned Development located at 2516 S. Escondido Blvd. A Mitigated Negative Declaration was issued on February 16, 2016 for a 20-day review period that concluded on March 8, 2016; no substantive comments were received. Staff has scheduled a Planning Commission public hearing to consider the proposal on March 22, 2016.

Wohlford – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 55-unit single family development located on Bear Valley Parkway east of Encino Drive. Staff has reviewed submittals and technical reports from the applicant. A Specific Alignment Plan for Bear Valley Parkway detailing the roadway is under review. Tribal consultation meetings have been completed. The EIR Consultant and staff held a kick off meeting to commence preparation of the EIR. The consultant has reviewed the applicant’s technical reports and has provided comments for revisions.

Latitude II – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 112-unit multi-family development, located at the northeastern corner of Centre City Parkway and Washington Avenue, and approved by the City Council on August 19, 2015. A Final Subdivision Map has been submitted for review. Rough grading plans have been approved. Comments have been provided regarding the architectural plans that have been submitted for plan check. The CC&Rs and landscaping plans have been submitted for review.

Canyon Grove Estates (Tract 932) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 179-lot single family residential development on the north side of Vista Avenue east of Conway Drive. Staff approved the substantial conformance determination for the revised tentative map and continues to coordinate with the applicant on the proposed grading plan. The applicant has concluded the mitigation credits at Daley Ranch, and is pursuing acquisitions needed for offsite improvements. Grading plans were issued; all bonds and fees have been posted. Staff worked with the applicant to modify the sewer manhole spacing for the project to facilitate the project. Removal of portions of the groves slated for development has commenced.

Safari Highlands – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 550-unit single family development located east of the Rancho San Pasqual community and north of the San Diego Safari Park. The project involves 1,100 acres including annexation and Sphere of Influence update for a master planned community with parks, trails, recreation center, fire station, open space, on-site sewer facility for treating a portion of the on-site wastewater for irrigation purposes. Planning and Engineering extensions of staff have been funded by the applicant and retained to assist the City in processing the project. Staff met with a representative of the Fish and Wildlife Department to discuss the project. Other outreach efforts have included City of San Diego, San Diego Zoo Safari Park representatives, public agencies and surrounding residents. Interviews were held with three consulting firms bidding on preparing the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project. City Council consideration of the consultant contract for preparing the EIR is scheduled for March 23, 2016. More information about this project is on line at: http://www.escondido.org/safari-highlands-ranch-specific-plan.aspx

High Pointe (Palos Vista Neighborhood 3) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a custom-home development with 39 estate lots accessed from Mesa Rock Road. Staff has prepared a bond and fee letter based on the proposed grading and landscape plans, and has sent it to the applicant.

Paseo Escondido – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a mixed-use 122-unit multi-family planned development at the southeastern corner of Ash Street and Washington Ave. The proposed project consists of 26 one-bedroom and 96 two-bedroom apartments in three four-story buildings, and two 5,000 SF commercial buildings (10,000 SF total) oriented around an outdoor plaza. Additional submittals are required to complete the application and the applicant is conducting a soils analysis to ensure there are no onsite contaminants.

Del Prado (former Woody’s site) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 113-unit Planned Development located at the southwestern corner of Brotherton Road and the Centre City Parkway frontage road. The project includes a recreational facility, pool, and open space areas Staff met with the applicant to address sewer and emergency access and engineering issues. A revised set of plans was submitted responding to staff comments. The Fire Department met with the applicant regarding emergency access. Staff is working with the applicant to develop street striping plans around the project’s frontages to ensure safe traffic movement. A Mitigated Negative Declaration will be issued on March 4, 2016 for a 20-day review period that will conclude on March 23, 2016. A Planning Commission public hearing has been tentatively scheduled for April 12, 2016.

Solutions for Change –This project is a Planned Development application for 33 affordable multi-family units. It was approved by the Planning Commission on October 13, 2015, and by the City Council November 18, 2015. Building plans have been submitted for review and a comment letter is being prepared. Staff authorized payment of Housing Division funds for reimbursement of applicant’s consultant invoices. Staff has preliminarily accepted minor redesign efforts to meet construction costs and is working with the applicant to ensure state financing remains available for the project. Building plan check comments have been forwarded to the applicant involving minor corrections and edits.

701 San Pasqual Valley Rd – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 19-unit single family development located at 1201 E. 5th Avenue (formerly Tract 898) on 7.2 acres. The application is under review and a letter detailing additional comments and submittal requirements was forwarded to the applicant.

Veterans Village of San Diego – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a mixed-use development involving a 54-unit affordable multi-family residential apartment project for military veterans and their families. It includes on-site administration office, business center, club house and other support spaces for the residents; and a small commercial component to support training opportunities offered at the facility at 1556 S. Escondido Boulevard. Building plans have been submitted for review and comment; the grading plans and landscaping plans have been approved.

Escondido Gateway – This project is a mixed-use development involving 122 residential units with a 3,000 sq. ft. commercial space on 2.6 acres (47 dwelling units/acre) located at 700 W. Grand Avenue (former Police Station) across the street from the North County Transit Station. Plans were submitted for the project involving a Specific Plan Amendment, Tentative Map, Planned Development and Development Agreement. Plans have been routed to various departments for comments. Correspondence has been mailed to the applicant regarding initial comments for revisions and the need for additional information to complete the application.

Building Division:

The Building Division issued 78 permits for the week with a total valuation of $468,960.

40 photovoltaic permits were issued for the week. Building has issued 270 solar permits this year compared to 178 issued for the same time last year.

Building inspectors had a very busy week, averaging 33 inspections per day with 31 inspections on Friday, totaling 166 inspections for the week. The building counter was also busy this week averaging 31 counter sign-ins per day and 32 on Friday. On Thursday 47 customers signed in seeking assistance.

The 33-unit apartment complex for Solutions for Change was issued comments regarding the second round of plan check review.

The 76-unit condominium complex at 2412 S Escondido Blvd has received exterior color coat and is continuing with the interior and exterior finish work.

The new 24 Hr. Fitness at the North County Mall is continuing with the pool construction and is expected to be open to the public in June 2016.

The new Taco Bell restaurant and office building on North Escondido Blvd are anticipating to commence curb, gutter, and paving this week, weather permitting.

The Pradera single family dwelling project at Lehner Avenue and Ash Street is anticipated to submit permit requests for an additional 16 units this week.

Code Enforcement:

As of March 7, 2016, the total number of open code enforcement cases is 363 cases. During the prior week, 115 new cases were opened, and 90 cases were closed, with a backlog of an additional 43 cases not yet opened for assignment and investigation.

There were 36 illegal signs confiscated during the weekend.

Last week the Business License Division issued 67 new licenses and received 33 new applications, in addition to 101 renewals.

Public Art:

During a routine inspection of playground equipment in Grape Day Park, some damage was discovered to the climbing vines at Vinehenge. Several City staff members reviewed the structure and it was determined that it was best to close the play structure to the public while repairs are being considered. The slide will remain open for use, but the climbing vines will be closed until further notice. Staff is discussing repair options with the artist who constructed the play structure.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

Kit Carson Park D-75 Concrete Ditch Stabilization:The contractor mobilized on Tuesday, March 15 with the removal of the existing concrete ditch. His schedule calls for 5 days of work to complete the project. Cut off walls and grading of the channel bottom will be the next item of work for this week.

Kit Carson Hockey Rink Improvements:The roof vents have been ordered with a delivery date of March 23, 2016. Work for installing the roof vents will begin at that time.

Washington Park Pool re-plastering:The project is idle awaiting the contractor’s action on rust removal and restoration of the reinforcing steel found during the plaster removal process.

Private Development

Bear Valley Parkway between Boyle Avenue and San Pasqual Valley Road (County Project):Idaho Avenue west of the Bear Valley Parkway project is closed to all traffic for the reconstruction of the intersection. The storm drain installation is nearing completion with the contractor working in the Boyle Avenue intersection this week. Portions of the new median curbs have been placed between Boyle Avenue and Birch Avenue intersection. The work at the Boyle Avenue intersection is affecting vehicle travel in both east and west bound travel due to construction related activities.

2412 South Escondido Boulevard:No changes from the following update reported last week: Work has started on the offsite street improvements. Curb and gutter along Escondido Blvd. has started.

Pradera - Lennar Communities:Concrete improvements are being constructed this week along Ash Street between Lehner Avenue and Stanley Avenue in advance of the single lane closure along Ash Street scheduled to coincide with school Spring Recess which is March 21 through April 1. The water line improvements are ongoing on Stanley Avenue between Ash Street and Conway Drive.

Rincon del Diablo 8” & 12” Water Main Construction:The contractor is now out of Broadway and proceeding along Jack Rabbit Acres which is located in the County of San Diego. The schedule calls for the contractor to resume construction along North Broadway between North Avenue and Jesmond Dene Road during the scheduled Spring Recess, March 21 through April 1. This will maximize pipeline installation and minimize interaction between school traffic during this period.

Tract 932 - Canyon Grove Shea Homes Community:The project continues to clear the site of vegetation and do soils investigation. Earth moving equipment is scheduled for delivery to the site next week so that mass grading may begin.

Future Capital Improvement:

East Valley Parkway/Valley Center Road Widening Project:Right- of- Way for the remaining property is anticipated to be completed April 6. SDG&E’s final design to underground existing overhead utilities was anticipated at the end of February, but still has not been received. Staff provided SDG&E with confirmation that they have the most recent base before finalizing the plans. AT&T has completed work to temporarily relocate overhead services to areas north of Lake Wohlford Road. Installed temporary services are active, and removal of existing cabling and poles is anticipated by the end of March.

El Norte Pkwy Bridge Widening and Median Improvement project:SDG&E has placed poles and cabling to temporarily relocate existing overhead cabling/services in the area of the bridge crossing the Escondido creek. SDG&E anticipates cutting service to the existing overhead cables and using the new temporary cabling by March 18. Cox still needs to activate their lines. No timeline to remove existing poles and overhead cabling will be provided until Cox Communication has activated their relocated services.

Grape Day Playground Equipment:Project bids were opened January 28. City Council authorized award on February 10. A contract with the contractor was fully executed March 9 and a Notice to Proceed was issued for March 28.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Police:

Incidents

On March 6 Lieutenant Walters was in the area of El Norte Pkwy and Rees Rd when a high speed vehicle passed him, swerving in and out of traffic. Lieutenant Walters initiated a traffic stop. At first, it appeared the vehicle was attempting to flee but eventually yielded in the area of El Norte Pkwy and Las Palmas. While approaching the vehicle, Lieutenant Walters observed the driver moving about the vehicle. The driver told Lieutenant Walters there was a handgun in the vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. A search of the suspect and the vehicle revealed a fully loaded handgun magazine and a 9mm handgun with one round in the chamber.

On March 10, officers from the Police Department along with Code Enforcement served a warrant in the 800 block of Aster St. The warrant resulted in one arrest for sales of narcotics, one arrest for a felon in possession of a firearm, and three warrant arrests. Code enforcement declared the location non-habitable.

On March 10, San Diego County Sheriff’s Deputies located and pursued a stolen vehicle through Valley Center, to Highway 76, and then lost sight of the vehicle on I-15. A short time later, EPD officers located the vehicle traveling southbound on Centre City Pkwy. Officers began pursuing the vehicle, but cancelled the pursuit because of the suspect’s dangerous driving and the traffic conditions. The vehicle was later found abounded in the 1600 block of Stanley Way. Although the suspect was not located at the time the vehicle was discovered, there is possible suspect information. The investigation is ongoing.

On March 10, personnel from the Special Investigations Unit, the Bike Team and COPPS conducted an undercover narcotics operation at Grape Day Park. The detail resulted in four municipal code citations, one citation for possession of drug paraphernalia, and one arrest for possession of a controlled substance. This operation was part of an ongoing effort by the Department to conduct directed enforcement actions at Grape Day Park in order to reduce criminal behavior.

On March 12, Officers Pizzuti and Martinez were dispatched to the parking lot of Carl’s Jr., at I-15 and Auto Park Way, to investigate a report of reckless driver. The driver of the vehicle was contacted inside of his vehicle and asked to exit. The driver did not comply with the officer’s commands and rapidly accelerated his vehicle while an officer was trying to get him out of the car. An officer was struck in the left leg by the vehicle as it sped away. Officers give chase but abandoned the pursuit. The vehicle was last seen traveling north on I-15 at an estimated 100+ MPH. One officer sustained minor injuries.

Events

The Police Athletic League (PAL) sponsored several basketball teams in the Boys and Girls Club after school program at Mission Middle School. For the first time in 6 years, two of the teams made it to the championship game on February 26. Both the 6th Grade boys and girls team played their best but lost in the final. The PAL staff was proud of this major accomplishment because many of the children had never played basketball before this season.

The Escondido Police Athletic League and the Escondido Recreation Department held a five- week Safety Academy at Oakhill Elementary School. The children, 2nd-5th grade, were taught simple self-defense techniques, anti-abduction skills, drug and gang avoidance, anti-bullying approaches, and the proper way to call 911. A graduation ceremony for the 2nd and 3rd graders was held on March 3rd and the graduation ceremony for 4th and 5th graders was held on March 10th. Officers Ruiz and Boylan, Volunteer Dee Russell and Lieutenant Owens were the instructors for the Academy. Attached is a photo from the 4th and 5th grade graduation.